Ibn Hawqal claims that nobody has ever visited Artha because the locals kill every foreigner attempting to penetrate their land. They are involved in trade with Kuyaba, selling sable furs, lead, and a modicum of slaves.[3]

Modern Russian historiography tends to identify Artania with the land of the Merya serving the Volga trade route.[8] Archaeological evidence points to Sarskoe Gorodishche and Timerevo as its main centers.[7] The native name of either town remains unknown; either may have been called Arsa in a native dialect.